Bob Murphy hit the track during the finals series as he continued his rehab from a knee reconstruction. Picture: Alex CoppelSource:News Corp Australia

WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Bob Murphy is taking an out-of-mind approach to his knee injury as he looks to a 2017 return.

Murphy, 34, who missed the Bulldogs’ drought-breaking premiership victory after having a knee reconstruction in April, said it had been the “longest pre-season” he has endured but he had grown to enjoy them.

And pushing aside thoughts of his knee injury had been a vital step to returning for his 18th straight pre-season.

“The best way to answer is that I forget about my knee (at training) at the moment,” he said.

“I’m back into almost full training and feeling healthy and strong.

Bob Murphy hit the track during the finals series as he continued his rehab from a knee reconstruction. Picture: Alex CoppelSource:News Corp Australia

“I actually do look forward to it (now), which is a bit more disturbing than anything else. It’s not a bad way to earn a living — to train with your mates in the sunshine and getting fit.

“Off the back of last (season) there should be a lot of momentum. It will be nice to pull on the boots again.”

Murphy, in Seaspray in his role as an ambassador for Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Gippsland Carnival, admitted he had grown sick of rehabilitation and was more than ready to launch into a premiership defence.

After missing out on the historic win, Murphy said he has been pushing his young teammates not to rest on their laurels.

Robert Murphy will return to training this week. Picture: Alex CoppelSource:News Corp Australia

Rather than be satisfied with the glory, the veteran said the team’s appetite should only be whetted by what it achieved against the odds.

“After 62 years (without a premiership), you build up quite a hunger and one premiership ain’t going to do it in terms of satisfying that hunger,” he said.

“That’s what I’ll be pushing the boys along with — to stay hungry for more wins and more success.”